Robinsons bringing in global coffee brand Costa next year

MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. is bringing in global coffee brand Costa Coffee to the country by next year.

In a disclosure to the local bourse, Robinsons Retail said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Robinsons Gourmet Food and Beverage Inc., has inked an international distribution agreement for the supply of Costa Coffee beans and operations of Costa Coffee shops in the Philippines.

The first Costa Coffee shop in the country is scheduled to open by next year, the multi-format retail chain of the Gokongwei family said.

 “We are pleased to be part of Costa’s exciting plans for growth in Southeast Asia and we look forward to forming a long-term partnership with the brand as we continue to diversify into more exciting formats and bring additional job opportunities to Filipinos,” said Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Retail president and chief operating officer.

Costa Coffee to date has more than 2,900 stores globally across 30 countries, covering operations in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, North Africa, India, China and Southeast Asia.

Founded by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971 in London, Costa Coffee has been consistently voted as the Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in Europe.   

Andy Marshall, managing director of Costa Coffee International Franchise, said the company is pleased to be extending its reach in the Philippines where there is already an established coffee culture.

“We envisage a significant store opening program over the coming years, which will provide further employment opportunities and a stable infrastructure to continue our growth in the Southeast Asia region,” Marshall said.

Robinsons Retail grew its earnings more than a quarter in the first half of the year to P1.36 billion from P1.08 billion a year ago.

The retail chain more than doubled its capital spending this year to P7 billion from P2.8 billion in 2013 to fasttrack the company’s organic expansion and support acquisitions.

 “We have a great partner in Robinsons Retail who have an enviable track record of managing and growing large international brands in the region. We look forward to working with them to deliver this exciting opportunity,” Marshall said.